Live from CNBC: Millennials are 'Quiet Vacationing’
Why Americans don't take time off, how Millennials are bypassing the system, and the vacay dread we can't seem to shake.
As Memorial Weekend approaches, signaling the start of summer, taking a vacation has become a covert operation for many Millennials. Last night, I joined CNBC on Last Call with Contessa Brewer to discuss this new term we coined ‘Quiet Vacationing.’
Faced with the dual pressures of being ever-present and productive, 37% of Millennials have perfected the art of taking time off without ever officially logging off.
Our recent work State of Out of the Office Culture, led by Marie Aloi, Ethan Hermann, and Tim Osiecki was featured yesterday in both CNBC and Fast Company:
#1. The Rise of Quiet Vacationing & Workarounds
This phenomenon, which we've coined 'quiet vacationing,' involves tactics like scheduling emails to send after-hours and moving the mouse to appear active, even when they are not. This approach not only highlights their discomfort with disconnecting but also illustrates a broader trend of a generation finding innovative ways to balance life and work in a culture that rarely sleeps.
Some skeptics might see this data and argue for a return-to-office mandate. However, Millennials' quiet vacationing isn't just about being out of the office; it reflects broader issues like an inability to disconnect, anxiety over requesting time off, and underused vacation days. Our deep dive explores these challenges and showcases a prevalent and unhealthy sentiment that all American workers face.
#2. Productivity Pressure: Why America Can’t Take A Break?
In the American workplace, productivity is not just a goal but an ethos, significantly impacting vacation behaviors. Consider this: nearly half of Americans (48%) prefer “more paid days off over a higher salary,” a sentiment echoed even more strongly among Millennials (56%) and upper management (57%). Yet, 78% of Americans leave their vacation days unused, with non-utilization rates soaring to 89% among Gen Z, 85% in upper management, and 83% among Millennials. Despite a widespread preference for more paid time off over increased salaries, a significant gap remains between the desire for vacations and their actual utilization. Why are Americans still tethered to their workplaces?
Our data reveals a culture that reveres busyness: 85% of respondents affirm that "America has a culture that glorifies being busy." However, the nature of this busyness is pivotal; many Americans would prefer engaging with their passions, but currently, 50% fear job loss. This concern for job security and the need to appear constantly available and productive significantly impact the American worker's psyche.
#3. Anticipatory Dread: The Request, The Lead Up, The Return
The Request: The mere act of requesting time off induces significant anxiety across the workforce. Half of American workers (49%) admit, "I get nervous when requesting paid time off/vacation days from my employer," with heightened anxiety among Millennials (61%) and Gen Z (58%).
The Lead-Up: The lead-up to vacation also drives anxiety. For instance, 63% of American workers say, "The pressure to meet deadlines and maintain productivity often deters me from taking extended time away from work." This feeling is even more prevalent among upper management and Millennials, at 73% and 71%, respectively.
Although 62% of workers believe that being 'out of office' should mean completely disconnecting, a similar percentage (60%) find it challenging to fully detach during their time off.
The Return: The dread of returning to a mountain of work also looms large, with 66% of the workforce apprehensive about the backlog awaiting them—notably, 78% of upper management and 74% of middle management dread this aspect of vacation.
What to Consider
To ease the anxiety around requesting time off, companies should consider creating transparent and straightforward vacation request processes. Mandatory vacation policies can help reduce guilt, as employees will see taking time off as fulfilling a responsibility rather than neglecting duties. Following the lead of some American and European companies, consider implementing a whole shutdown week, allowing employees to fully disconnect without the worry of pending projects. This approach not only facilitates deep rest and rejuvenation but also builds mental resilience and fortitude, qualities essential as industries navigate today’s disruptive times. This is particularly relevant considering that 79% of American workers emphasize the importance of using their paid time off primarily to relax and recharge.
Wishing you a happy and long memorial weekend!
Shout out to Marie Aloi, Tim Osiecki, and Ethan Hermann for leading this report!
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Penned by Libby Rodney and Abbey Lunney, founders of the Thought Leadership Group at The Harris Poll. To learn more about the Thought Leadership Practice, just contact one of us or find out more here.
How Taking a Vacation Improves Your Well-Being (HBR)
Artificially Intelligent Help for Planning Your Summer Vacation (NYTimes)
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